Missouri Camping Guide

As winter turns to spring and spring turns to summer, more and more RVs will be making there way to state parks across the country. In Missouri alone there are more than 3,000 campsites available to reserve at 38 different state parks and historic sites. With that many campsites, there is sure to be a place for you to explore. Here are some things that we think you should know about camping in Missouri this season!

Reserve Early

One of the many awesome features that Missouri State Parks has to offer is online campsite reservations. This means that six months prior to any RV vacation you and your crew plan on taking, you can scout out and see what is available to rent in any of the state parks. To get you thinking about your reservation, here is a list of things you will need before making a reservation with the Missouri State Parks:

type and size of camping unit you will be using (fifth wheel, travel trailer, etc.)

number of people who will be camping

debit/credit card (MasterCard, Visa or Discover)

information if eligible for a discount (senior citizen or disability)

Get an Itinerary

Planning out your RV vacation is not only something fun to do with your crew, it can also give you an insight on how much your trip will cost. If you are planning on renting boats, fishing, or doing other activities that cost money, you will want to figure out all the fees and costs associated with your trip.

In addition to planning out costs, having an itinerary is also a great way to keep everyone on the same page. Too often on trips you hear, “I don’t want to do that, or “Do we have to?” With an itinerary planned before, everyone can be on the same page and know what to expect before the trip begins.

Trailside Recommendations

Here at Trailside we love Missouri camping. We think it is one of the more beautiful locations to go camping and we want to offer up our recommendations of where to take your crew this camping season!

Knob Noster State Park

Knob Noster is a great place to take your family or a group of friends. Located between Warrensburg and Sedalia, Knob Noster offers amazing views and plenty of great camping and activities. Take advantage of the amazing trail system and hike/bike through several different terrain. The McAdoo Trail System is open to equestrian riders as well, with trailside camping sites along the trail. If you are interested in fishing, Knob Noster has two lakes where catfish, bass, bluegill and crappie can be caught.

If you are planning on camping at Knob Noster, you are in luck! Knob Noster State Park offers several camping options.

basic and electric campsites

family campsites

two organized group camps and special-use camping areas

family campsites

Crowder State Park

Located in Northern Missouri, Crowder State Park also offers tons of opportunities for you and your crew to take advantage of. The Thompson River Trail is 8.4 miles long and can accommodate backpacking, hiking, equestrian and mountain biking! The 18 acre Crowder Lake plays host to a wide range of fish and also has paddleboards, kayaks and canoes to rent.

Crowder State Park also offers basic, electric and family campsites for your use! Reserve them today!

Those are just a couple of great parks you can go to this season. For a complete list of state parks, head on over to Missouri State Parks and check them out! For additional things to do in the great state of Missouri, head on over to the official Missouri tourism web site!

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